The drone war in northwest Pakistan has brought attention to the attenuated al-Qaeda core that moved from Afghanistan in late 2001. But two events in December -- a failed Christmas Day bombing and an attack on CIA operatives in Afghanistan -- have led analysts to re-assess al-Qaeda's perceived decline. Worldfocus takes a look at the organization's evolution.

On the third day of the biggest allied military offensive in Afghanistan since 2001, U.S., British and Afghan troops have converged on Marjah, a Taliban stronghold and opium hub in Helmand province. Coalition forces are said to be engaged in numerous firefights throughout the city. Brian Katulis, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, joins Daljit Dhaliwal for more.

Worldfocus contributing blogger Sana Saleem writes about the Pakistani reaction to the trial of Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist who was convicted of trying to kill American soldiers while in custody in Afghanistan. She argues Aafia’s case highlights the underlying mistrust amongst the Pakistani people for the United States.

India's Constitution, which banned caste discrimination, turned 60 last week. But caste has existed for over 3 millennia, and many people view caste - in addition to curry and the Taj Mahal - as one of India's defining features. We discuss the culture of caste, the reservation system and comparisons to the U.S. Joining Martin Savidge are Vivek Kumar and Corey Washington.

Worldfocus' German partner Deutsche Welle reports on a successful effort by local groups to drive out the Taliban in northern Afghanistan. And, Nora Bensahel, senior political scientist at the Rand Corporation, joins Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the likelihood of succeeding with this strategy.